North Carolina GOP committee picks Jennifer Balkcom to replace Rep. Chuck Edwards on November ballot

Edwards dropped his re-election bid after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be censured over sexual harassment allegations. He has denied any wrongdoing.

A panel of Republican officials in North Carolina selected a state lawmaker Monday as the GOP nominee in a House race after embattled Rep. Chuck Edwards dropped his re-election bid following sexual harassment allegations.

Jennifer Balkcom, who represents a state legislative district in Henderson County, will face Jamie Ager, who won the Democratic primary in March.

The North Carolina GOP’s Executive Committee for the 11th Congressional District picked Balkcom to replace Edwards in compliance with state law given how late in the campaign he dropped out.

Balkcom faces a sprint to Election Day, which is less than three months away. Absentee ballots are set to start going out Sept. 4, giving her just a few weeks to make her case to some voters.

She announced her intention to seek the nomination less than 24 hours ago.